Leaving school can be an uncertain and challenging time for many young people. Shay‑Lee left school in Year 10 with little direction or hope for a fulfilling career – until she applied for the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support course with STEPS in Bundaberg.
She faced some challenges along the way, but instead of giving up, she found her footing and kept moving forward. With encouragement and guidance from the STEPS team, Shay-Lee completed the course, gained her qualification, and has now built a care career she truly loves.
Finding purpose with hands-on training
The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support course gives participants training in both disability support and aged care, along with 120 hours of work placement with local support services. For Shay-Lee, the work placement was a turning point that put her on a new path.
Working directly with clients in both sectors, she discovered her calling: helping vulnerable people live a fulfilling life with dignity, independence and a sense of possibility. Aged care, in particular, revealed to her the depth of meaning found in even the smallest acts of support, such as simply making someone a cup of coffee.
“You are helping someone who needs help but doesn’t like to ask,” Shay-Lee explained. “They might not feel as though they can do things anymore, and you’re there to be that extra support so they can achieve their goals.”
From work placement to permanent position
Shay-Lee’s dedication during her work placement at Palm Lake Care Bargara didn’t go unnoticed. Her natural ability to connect with residents and confidently apply her training in real-world situations impressed the team, and once she completed her work placement, she was offered a full-time permanent position.
It’s the kind of success story everyone hopes for: participants gain the chance to demonstrate their skills, employers get to see their potential firsthand, and trainers witness their students step into meaningful, lasting employment. For the STEPS Bundaberg team, being part of Shay‑Lee’s journey has been a proud and rewarding experience.
How Shay-Lee proved herself wrong
Reflecting on her journey, Shay-Lee was candid about the self-doubt she faced.
”At first, I doubted myself. I didn’t think I would be here with a certificate,” she admitted. “But then I told myself, ‘No, I’m going to push for it.’”
That determination, paired with the support she received from STEPS, changed the course of her life. After leaving school unsure of her direction, Shay‑Lee went on to earn a nationally recognised qualification, uncover her passion, and secure a role in a career she genuinely loves.
“You might feel like you can’t do it – but you absolutely can.”
Take the next STEP
Shay-Lee’s story shows that with the right training and support, early setbacks don’t define your future – your determination does.
If you or someone you know is ready for a career change or need support to achieve personal goals, STEPS is here to help you take the next step.
Talk to our friendly Customer Care Team by calling 1300 131 965 or emailing customercare@stepsgroup.com.au, and visit our Training Courses page for a full list of the STEPS programs on offer.
